Composition and method for delivery of living cells in a dry mode having a surface layer

ABSTRACT

The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods of delivering living cells in a dry mode, wherein the compositions include a surface layer disposed on the outer surface of the composition that is permeable to carbon dioxide and oxygen. The compositions may be used to deliver living cells to a delivery point without the use of expensive refrigerants such as dry ice or liquid nitrogen.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods ofdelivering living cells in a dry mode. More specifically, the presentinvention relates to compositions and methods of delivering living cellsin a dry mode having a surface layer.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is very difficult to deliver various substances in a dry form. Forexample, living cells are typically not sustainable in a dry, non-frozenstate. Normally, these living cells are freeze dried and thentransported with liquid nitrogen to keep them frozen during transport;however, this leads to increased costs and difficulties for transportingand handling of the frozen living cells. Therefore, it would beadvantageous to provide compositions and methods for delivery of livingcells in a dry form that did not require the use of refrigerants such asliquid nitrogen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to compositions and methods thatsatisfy at least one of these needs. The present invention relates tocompositions having a surface layer and methods of delivering livingcells as part of a composition in a dry mode. Exemplary living cells caninclude human cells, primary cells, cell lines, immortalized cells,lymphatic cells, cell tissue, serum, and combinations thereof.

One embodiment of the invention is a composition for delivering livingcells in a dry mode that contains an inert carrier substrate having aporous structure, living cells loaded throughout the pores of the inertcarrier substrate, and a surface layer disposed on the outer surface ofthe inert carrier substrate. In one embodiment, the surface layer can bepermeable, such that the surface layer allows for movement of certainparticles that aid in sustaining and/or propagating new cell growth ofthe living cells loaded throughout the inert carrier substrate. In oneembodiment, the surface layer can be permeable to oxygen and carbondioxide such that the composition is operable to allow for increasedpropagation of the living cells within the pores of the inert carriersubstrate as compared to another composition having an absence of thesurface layer. As used herein, propagation refers to the ability of asubstance to reproduce. In one embodiment, the surface layer is operableto allow for oxygen exchange, nutrient exchange, respiration, carbondioxide production and digestion, and enzyme production.

In one embodiment, the inert carrier substrate is selected from thegroup consisting of diatomaceous earth, walnut and pecan shells, ricehulls, cellulosic clay, montmorillonite clay, bentonite clay, wool,cotton, cellulose, corn cobs, cellulose shells, precipitated silica, andcombinations thereof. In one embodiment, the inert carrier substrate canbe precipitated silica.

In one embodiment, the surface layer can include an organic phase.Organic phase as used herein with respect to the surface layer means aphase that includes any member of a large class of chemical compoundswhose molecules contain carbon. In one embodiment, the organic phase canbe lipids, polysaccharides, fatty acids, or combinations thereof. In oneembodiment, the fatty acids have between 12 and 20 carbon atoms. In oneembodiment, the organic phase can include nonionic plant-basedsurfactants. Preferable pant-based surfactants include, withoutlimitation, polysorbate 20 and polysorbate 80. Additional exemplarysurfactants, without limitation, can also include cocamidopropylbetaine, sodium lauroyl lactylate, capylol, capric glucoside, andcombinations thereof. In one embodiment, non-ionic surfactants arepreferred.

In one embodiment, the organic phase can include fatty acid alcohols,fatty acids, lipids and lethicin. In one embodiment, the fatty acidalcohols have between 12 and 20 carbon atoms. In one embodiment, thefatty acid alcohols can include cetearyl alcohol and cetyl ester. In oneembodiment, the fatty acid can be saturated, unsaturated, or acombination thereof. Exemplary saturated fatty acids, withoutlimitation, include: palmitic acid, steric acid, arachidic acid, behenicacid, myristic acid, lignoceric acid, and combinations thereof.Exemplary unsaturated fatty acids, without limitation, include: oleicacid, palmitoleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, Omega-3, Omega-6,and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, possible sources of thefatty acids can include coconut oils, palm oils, vegetable oils, fishoils, and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the organic phase can be formed when an emulsion ismixed with the inert carrier substrate. Furthermore, the emulsion can beformed by mixing a combination of ingredients, wherein the ingredientsare selected from the group consisting of lipids, polysaccharides, fattyacids, lethicin, plant-based surfactants, emulsifiers, and combinationsthereof.

In another embodiment, the surface layer is substantially impermeable towater. In another embodiment, the surface layer is substantiallyimpermeable to deionized water. In one embodiment, the surface layer canbe broken down by surfactants, oil, organic solvents, salt water, dampsoil, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the surface layeris at least partially soluble to surfactants, oil, organic solvents,salt water, damp soil, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment,the surface layer can further include an absence of a protein.

In another embodiment, the surface layer can include squalene, squalane,C40 isoprenoids, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol,cardiolipin, phosphatidylethanolamine, monoglycerol phosphate, orcombinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the composition for delivering living cells in adry mode can be practiced without zeolites, aluminosilicates, mineralpowder, and/or an acidic polymer. In one embodiment, the composition isoperable to breakdown hydrocarbon deposits in water or soil when appliedin a dry state. In another embodiment, the composition can also includenutrients loaded in the inert carrier substrate, such that the nutrientsare in contact with the living cells, wherein the nutrients are operableto provide a food source to the living cells loaded throughout the poresof the inert carrier substrate to enhance propagation of the livingcells. Non-limiting examples of nutrients include glucose, inulin, andcombinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the pores of the precipitated silica define adistribution of pore sizes, where a substantial amount of pores havediameters within the range of 38 to 240 nanometers. In anotherembodiment, the nutrients can be ammonia, nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen,urea, dextrose, dextrin, sugars, or combinations thereof. In anotherembodiment, the composition has an initial living cell count, and thecomposition is operable to maintain approximately 50 to 400% of theinitial microorganism count for a period of time, preferably at least 45days.

As used herein, the term “fluid” is to be understood to include liquids,plasmas, and gases.

In another embodiment, a composition for delivering a living cell in adry mode that maintains flow contains an inert carrier substrate havinga porous structure, a surface layer disposed on the outer surface of theinert carrier substrate, wherein the surface layer is permeable tooxygen and carbon dioxide, and the living cell is loaded throughout thepores of the inert carrier substrate, the composition having 25 to 75%living cell concentration by weight, the composition operable tomaintain approximately 75 to 100% of the living cell concentration for aperiod of time, preferably at least 45 days, wherein the composition issoluble in water and the composition maintains its ability to readilyflow. In another embodiment, the composition can have more than one typeof living cell.

In another embodiment, the composition contains an inert carriersubstrate having silica pores, a surface layer disposed on the outersurface of the inert carrier substrate, wherein the surface layer ispermeable to oxygen and carbon dioxide, and a living cell loaded intothe inert carrier substrate, wherein the average pore diameter of theliving cell's molecules is less than the average diameter of the silicapores, and wherein the composition is operable to transport the livingcells in a dry mode without significant degradation or the use ofexternally supplied refrigerants.

In another embodiment, the composition is formed without the use of areaction. In another embodiment, the composition is formed withoutchemically altering the surface of the inert carrier substrate. Inanother embodiment, the composition is substantially dry such that itcan readily flow. In one embodiment, the composition can exhibit anangle of repose between 29.9° and 42°. In one embodiment, the angle ofrepose can be determined by pouring the composition through a funnel andallowing the composition to fall onto a base board, thereby forming aconical mound. A portion of the base board can then be removed fromunderneath a portion of the conical mound. The angle formed by the edgeof the board can be measured using a straight edge and reading theangle. In another embodiment, the composition has a Can index valuebelow 15. The Carr index is an indication of the compressibility of apowder. It is calculated by the formula:

${C = {100\; \frac{V_{T} - V_{B}}{V_{T}}}},$

where V_(B) is the freely settled volume of a given mass of powder, andV_(T) is the tapped volume of the same mass of powder. The Can index canalso be expressed as:

${C = {100 \times \left( {1 - \frac{\rho_{B}}{\rho_{t}}} \right)}},$

where ρ_(B) is the freely settled bulk density of the powder, and ρ_(T)is the tapped bulk density of the powder. In another embodiment, thecomposition is not hygroscopic.

In another embodiment, an additional benefit is that the composition hasan increased shelf life and/or can provide additional stability notaccomplishable in a fluid state. For example, living cells that are keptat atmospheric pressure and at room temperature often times degradeafter a few weeks, which means the end user must use the fluidsubstances quickly. In certain embodiments, these relatively unstableliving cells can be loaded into precipitated silica to increase theirshelf life and/or provide additional stability not accomplishable in afluid state. As used herein, shelf life generally means therecommendation of time that products can be stored, during which thedefined quality of a specified proportion of the goods remainsacceptable under expected (or specified) conditions of distribution,storage and display. Some substances in their fluid states arerelatively unstable.

In another embodiment, living cells and nutrients can be delivered in adry format. Exemplary nutrients include, without limitation, glucose,inulin, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the delivery ofthese living cells and nutrients can be achieved by loading precipitatedsilica with the living cells, the nutrients, and an organic phase,together or separately, to a desired capacity such that a surface layerforms on the outer surface of the inert carrier substrate, while theliving cells and the nutrients remain loaded throughout the pores of theinert carrier substrate. The composition can then be used to transportthe living cells in a substantially free flowing, dry mode without theneed for any type of external refrigeration.

In another embodiment, a method for increasing the viability of livingcells can include loading an inert carrier substrate with an emulsion toa desired capacity to form a loaded product. In one embodiment, theemulsion can include an organic phase and a water phase, wherein thewater phase can include water and living cells. In another embodiment,the water phase can further include nutrients, wherein the nutrients arewater soluble. In another embodiment, the organic phase can includenonionic surfactants. Nonionic plant-based surfactants are alsoacceptable. In another embodiment, the organic phase can include fattyacid alcohols, fatty acids, lipids, and lethicin. In another embodiment,the organic phase can include lipids, fatty acids, and polysaccharides.

Embodiments of the present invention provide many benefits overconventional storage and handling of living cells, including ease ofuse, lower shipping cost, ease of transportation, reduced storagerequirements, and elimination of externally provided refrigerants.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, claims, and accompanying drawings. It is to be noted,however, that the drawings illustrate only several embodiments of theinvention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of theinvention's scope as it can admit to other equally effectiveembodiments.

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional diagram of a composition in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention allow for the delivery ofsubstances in a dry mode. In its most basic format, a predeterminedamount of substance, if initially in liquid format, is added to anamount of an inert carrier substrate and mixed to form a loaded producthaving a semi-permeable surface layer. If the substance is initially ina dry format, the substance can be liquefied by various means known inthe art and then added to an amount of the inert carrier substrate andmixed to form a loaded product. The loaded product has the consistencyof a dry, sand-like substance. The loaded product includes the inertcarrier substrate and the liquid additive loaded throughout the inertcarrier substrate inner and outer surfaces, and a surface layer on theouter surface of the inert carrier substrate. In one embodiment, thesurface layer is permeable to carbon dioxide and oxygen. Additionally,the surface layer includes an organic phase that can be made using avariety of techniques. The loaded product contains the characteristicsof the substance, yet is dry to the touch. In one embodiment, thesurface layer does not rub off or leave an oily feel to the skin.

In one embodiment of the invention, a composition for delivering livingcells in a dry mode contains the inert carrier substrate having a porousstructure, a surface layer permeable to carbon dioxide and oxygen, andliving cells loaded throughout the pores of the inert carrier substrate.In another embodiment, the pores of the inert carrier substrate havediameters within the range of 38 to 240 nanometers. In anotherembodiment, the living cells are selected from the group of human cells,primary cells, cell lines, immortalized cells, lymphatic cells, celltissue, serum, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, thecomposition can also include nutrients loaded throughout the pores ofthe inert carrier substrate. In another embodiment, the nutrients areselected from the group consisting of ammonia, nitrogen, ammoniumnitrogen, urea, dextrose, dextrin, sugars, inulin, and combinationsthereof. In another embodiment, the composition has an initial livingcell count, and the composition is operable to maintain approximately 75to 400% of the initial living cell count for a period of time,preferably at least 45 days. In one embodiment, the surface layer actssimilarly to cell walls that can be found in bacteria (prokaryotes) andfungi (eukarotes), thereby supporting cellular life and propagation.

As noted previously, precipitated silica can be used in some embodimentsof the present invention as the inert carrier substrate. Thecharacteristics of typical precipitated silica are as follows: pore sizerange from 38-240 nanometers and a particle size of 10-1400 microns.Examples of precipitated silica useful as part of certain embodiments ofcompositions and methods of the present invention are the FLO-GARD® orHI-SIL® silicon dioxide products obtained from PPG Industries, Inc.Precipitated silica may also be obtained from other providers, such asfor example, W.R. Grace and Company. Another characteristic of typicalprecipitated silica is a surface area of from about 140 to about 160square meters per gram.

Examples of living cells to be used in certain embodiments of thepresent invention include human cells, primary cells, cell lines,immortalized cells, lymphatic cells, cell tissue, serum, andcombinations thereof.

Preferred Method for Making the Loaded Product Containing Living Cells

What follows is an example of how one can load living cells intoprecipitated silica granules. Add an appropriate amount of fatty acidand emulsifier into a stainless steel mixing container. Optionally, heatthe resulting mixture to 60° C. for approximately five minutes. Themixture is mixed at a moderate speed until the mixture is sufficientlyemulsified. If heated, allow the mixture to cool down to roomtemperature while continuing to mix. The mixture is preferably mixedsufficiently enough to form a homogenized mixture. In a separatecontainer, the primary cells are processed in a commercial foodprocessor and then preferably stored at 3° C. An appropriate amount ofnutrients are added to water at room temperature. 50 grams of primarycells (bovine liver in this case) are then added and mixed at roomtemperature. This mixture of nutrients, water, and primary cells is thenadded to the container with the homogenized mixture and then mixed wellto form a liquid media. The liquid media is then added to an appropriateamount of FLO-GARD SC72C precipitated silica granules while mixing usinga stainless steel ribbon blender until all the liquid media issubstantially loaded into the precipitated silica granules. Generallyspeaking, approximately 2 parts liquid media is added to 1 partprecipitated silica granules. The resulting product is dry to the touchwithin five minutes of the initial introduction of the liquid media.This dry state is reached during the stirring of the combinedingredients and is handled as a dry product immediately upon unloadingthe mixer. The loaded product can be then stored at room temperaturewith an improved shelf life; however, it is preferably stored in arefrigerator at a temperature of approximately 33° F.-80° F., morepreferably 35° F. to 50° F., and more preferably about 38° F. While thisembodiment combined the solutions in this manner, it should beunderstood that they may be combined in other orders.

In order to release the living cells from the precipitated silica, theuser need only combine the loaded product with water or saline solutionin an amount exceeding the precipitated silica's saturation point. Thesurface layer of the loaded product is broken down during this step,which allows the living cells to be released. The living cells can thenbe isolated from this solution using known techniques in the art, forexample, centrifugation.

As used herein, the term “dry mode” means that a liquid is substantiallyloaded in the inert carrier substrate. One of ordinary skill in the artwill understand that this is achieved during the mixing process when aliquid is loaded into the inert carrier substrate. In one embodiment,after mixing for five minutes, the resulting product is dry to the touchand can be handled as a dry product. Furthermore, the dry product isfully free flowing.

Various compositions of the liquid media were created varying the typeof fatty acids, the type of nutrients, and the types of emulsifiers. Asummary can be found in Table I below:

TABLE I Preparation of the Liquid Media Emulsifier Fatty AcidCocamidopropyl Betaine & Capylol/ Nutrient Distilled Total SampleLethicin Olive Oil Sodium Lauroyl lactylate Capric glucoside Polysorbate20 Polysorbate 80 glucose Inulin Water Weight 1 200 — 200 — — — 50 — 9001350 2 200 — — 200 — — 50 — 900 1350 3 200 — — — 200 — 50 — 900 1350 4200 — — — — 300 50 — 880 1430 5 200 — 200 — — — — 50 900 1350 6 200 — —200 — — — 50 900 1350 7 200 — — — 200 — — 50 900 1350 8 100 100 — — —300 — 50 880 1430 9 100 100 200 — — — 50 — 900 1350 10 100 100 — 200 — —50 — 900 1350 11 100 100 — — 200 — 50 — 900 1350 12 100 100 — — — 300 50— 880 1430 13 100 100 200 — — — — 50 900 1350 14 100 100 — 200 — — — 50900 1350 15 100 100 — — 200 — — 50 900 1350 16 100 100 — — — 300 — 50880 1430

In another embodiment, a composition for delivering a liquid media in adry mode contains the inert carrier substrate having silica pores, asurface layer disposed on the outer surface of the inert carriersubstrate, wherein the surface layer is permeable to oxygen and carbondioxide, and a liquid media loaded into the inert carrier substrate,wherein the average pore diameter of the liquid media's molecules isless than the average diameter of the silica pores. In anotherembodiment, the liquid media includes an emulsifier, a dilutant,nutrients, amino acids, fatty acids, and living cells. In anotherembodiment, the composition is formed without the use of a reaction. Inanother embodiment, the composition is formed without chemicallyaltering the surface of the inert carrier substrate. In anotherembodiment, the composition is substantially dry such that it canreadily flow. In another embodiment, the composition is not hygroscopic.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to the use of the inertcarrier substrate as a delivery agent for the substance in a dry mode.In an embodiment, if the substance is in solid form, then it can beliquefied by mixing the substance in a carrier fluid, such as water,alcohol, glycerin, syrup, oil, acetone or other acceptable fluid media.Once the substance is in a liquid state, it can be directly added andmixed with inert carrier substrate such that the substance infusesthroughout the inert carrier substrate to form a loaded product.

In another embodiment, the composition can be created by combining awax, cetearyl alcohol, a fatty acid, an emulsifier, water, and livingcells. In one embodiment, the wax can include bees wax. In anotherembodiment, the fatty acids can include olive oil, canola oil, sunfloweroil, vegetable oil, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, theemulsifier can be lethicin. In one embodiment, the wax can be present inan amount from 1% to 40%, more preferably 10% by weight. In oneembodiment, the cetearyl alcohol can be present in an amount from 1% to15%, more preferably 2% by weight. In one embodiment, the fatty acidscan be present in an amount from 2% to 40%, more preferably 15% byweight. In one embodiment, the emulsifier can be present in an amountfrom 1% to 7%, more preferably 3% by weight. In one embodiment, thewater/primary cell solution can be present in an amount from 1% to 50%,more preferably 2-3% by weight. In one embodiment, the water/primarycell solution contains 70% to 99% water, more preferably 97% water, and1% to 30% living cells, more preferably 3% living cells by volume.

In another embodiment, the composition can be created by combining awax, cetearyl alcohol and/or cetyl ester, a fatty acid, an emulsifier,water, and living cells. In one embodiment, the wax can include beeswax. In another embodiment, the fatty acids can include olive oil,canola oil, sunflower oil, vegetable oil, or combinations thereof. Inanother embodiment, the emulsifier can be lethicin. In one embodiment,the wax can be present in an amount from 1% to 40%, more preferably 10%by weight. In one embodiment, the cetearyl alcohol can be present in anamount from 1% to 15%, more preferably 2% by weight. In one embodiment,the cetyl ester can be present in an amount from 1% to 15%, morepreferably 2% by weight. In one embodiment, the fatty acids can bepresent in an amount from 2% to 40% more preferably 15% by weight. Inone embodiment, the emulsifier can be present in an amount from 1% to7%, more preferably 3% by weight. In one embodiment, the water/primarycell solution can be present in an amount from 1% to 50%, morepreferably 2-3% by weight. In one embodiment, the water/primary cellsolution contains 70% to 99% water, more preferably 97% water, and 1% to30% living cells, more preferably 3% living cells by volume.

In one embodiment, the water/microorganism solution can contain 98%water and 2% living cells by volume. In another embodiment, thewater/microorganism solution can contain between 95% to 98% water and 2%to 5% living cells as measured by volume.

FIG. 1 represents a cross sectional view of a loaded product having asurface layer that is loaded with water, living cells, emulsifiers, andnutrients. As shown in FIG. 1, the water phase is located within thepores of the inert carrier substrate. A surface layer interface can beformed between the surface layer and the water phase. The dashed linesof the surface layer interface and the surface layer are representativeof the advantageous permeability of the surface layer, which allows foroxygen and carbon dioxide to move in and out of the loaded product. Thiskeeps the water phase within the loaded product while also allowing forthe living cells to “breathe,” which aids in propagation. Additionally,the surface layer keeps the replication controlled and contained withinthe surface layer interface.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes andmodifications can be made to the method of practicing the inventionwithout departing the scope and spirit of the invention. In the drawingsand specification, there have been disclosed embodiments of theinvention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in ageneric and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose oflimitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the followingclaims. The invention has been described in considerable detail withspecific reference to these illustrated embodiments. It will beapparent, however, that various modifications and changes can be madewithin the spirit and scope of the invention as described in theforegoing specification. Furthermore, language referring to order, suchas first and second, should be understood in an exemplary sense and notin a limiting sense. For example, it can be recognized by those skilledin the art that certain steps can be combined into a single step.

U.S. Provisional Application 61/390,029, filed on Oct. 5, 2010 is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

Having described the invention above, various modifications of thetechniques, procedures, materials, and equipment will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. While various embodiments have been shown anddescribed, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto.Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention has beendescribed by way of illustration(s) and not limitation. It is intendedthat all such variations within the scope and spirit of the invention beincluded within the scope of the appended claims. The singular forms“a”, “an” and “the” may include plural referents, unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. Moreover, the present invention may suitablycomprise, consist or consist essentially of the elements disclosed andmay be practiced in the absence of an element not disclosed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition for delivering living cells in adry mode, the composition comprising: an inert carrier substrate havinga porous structure; living cells loaded throughout the pores of theinert carrier substrate; and a surface layer disposed on the outersurface of the inert carrier substrate, wherein the surface layer ispermeable to particles that aid in cell growth of the living cells suchthat the composition is operable to allow for increased propagation ofthe living cells within the pores of the inert carrier substrate ascompared to another composition having an absence of the surface layer.2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the particles that arepermeable to the surface layer include oxygen and carbon dioxide.
 3. Thecomposition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the surface layer is operableto allow for oxygen exchange, nutrient exchange, respiration, carbondioxide production and digestion, and enzyme production.
 4. Thecomposition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inert carrier substrateis selected from the group consisting of diatomaceous earth, walnut andpecan shells, rice hulls, cellulosic clay, montmorillonite clay,bentonite clay, wool, cotton, cellulose, corn cobs, cellulose shells,precipitated silica, and combinations thereof.
 5. The composition asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the inert carrier substrate is precipitatedsilica.
 6. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein thecomposition has a shelf life of at least two years.
 7. The compositionas claimed in claim 1, wherein the surface layer comprises an organicphase.
 8. The composition as claimed in claim 7, wherein the organicphase comprises fatty acids, lipids, and lethicin.
 9. The composition asclaimed in claim 8, wherein the fatty acid is selected from groupconsisting of saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, andcombinations thereof.
 10. The composition as claimed in claim 8, whereinthe fatty acid is selected from group consisting of palmitic acid,steric acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, myristic acid, lignocericacid, oleic acid, palmitoleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid,Omega-3, Omega-6, and combinations thereof.
 11. The composition asclaimed in claim 8, wherein the fatty acid is derived from a source,wherein the source is selected from group consisting of coconut oils,palm oils, vegetable oils, fish oils, and combinations thereof.
 12. Thecomposition as claimed in claim 7, wherein the organic phase comprisesnonionic plant-based surfactants.
 13. The composition as claimed inclaim 7, wherein the organic phase comprises fatty acid alcohols, fattyacids, lipids, and lethicin.
 14. The composition as claimed in claim 7,wherein the organic phase comprises an emulsifier.
 15. The compositionas claimed in claim 7, wherein the organic phase is comprised of lipids,fatty acids, and polysaccharides.
 16. The composition as claimed inclaim 7, wherein the organic phase is formed when an emulsion is mixedwith the inert carrier substrate, the emulsion is formed by mixing acombination of ingredients, wherein the ingredients are selected fromthe group consisting of lipids, polysaccharides, fatty acids, lethicin,plant-based surfactants, emulsifiers, and combinations thereof.
 17. Thecomposition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the surface layer issubstantially impermeable to water.
 18. The composition as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the surface layer is substantially insoluble todeionized water.
 19. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein thesurface layer can be broken down by surfactants, oil, organic solvents,salt water, damp soil, or combinations thereof.
 20. The composition asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the surface layer is at least partiallysoluble to surfactants, oil, organic solvents, salt water, damp soil, orcombinations thereof.
 21. The composition as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe surface layer further comprises an absence of a protein.
 22. Thecomposition as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an absence ofzeolites.
 23. The composition as claimed in claim 1, further comprisingan absence of aluminosilicates.
 24. The composition as claimed in claim1, further comprising an absence of a mineral powder.
 25. Thecomposition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the livings cells areselected from the group consisting of human cells, primary cells, celllines, immortalized cells, lymphatic cells, cell tissue, serum, andcombinations thereof.
 26. The composition as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising an absence of an acidic polymer.
 27. The composition asclaimed in claim 1, further comprising nutrients in contact with theliving cells, wherein the nutrients are operable to provide a foodsource to the living cells loaded throughout the pores of the inertcarrier substrate such that the living cells can propagate.
 28. Thecomposition as claimed in claim 27, wherein the nutrients are selectedfrom the group consisting of ammonia, nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, urea,dextrose, dextrin, sugars, and combinations thereof.
 29. The compositionas claimed in claim 1, wherein the pores have diameters within the rangeof 38 to 240 nanometers.
 30. The composition as claimed in claim 1,wherein the composition has an initial living cell count, thecomposition operable to maintain approximately 50 to 400% of the initialcellular living cell count for at least 45 days.
 31. A composition fordelivering living cells in a dry mode, the composition comprising: aninert carrier substrate having a porous structure; a surface layerdisposed on the outer surface of the inert carrier substrate, whereinthe surface layer is permeable to oxygen and carbon dioxide; and livingcells loaded throughout the pores of the inert carrier substrate, thecomposition having 25 to 75% living cell concentration by weight, thecomposition operable to maintain approximately 50 to 100% of the livingcell concentration for a period of at least 45 days.
 32. A compositioncomprising: An inert carrier substrate having silica pores; a surfacelayer disposed on the outer surface of the inert carrier substrate,wherein the surface layer is permeable to oxygen and carbon dioxide; aliquid media loaded into the inert carrier substrate, wherein theaverage pore diameter of the liquid media's molecules is less than theaverage diameter of the silica pores, wherein the liquid media comprisesliving cells, a carrier fluid, and nutrients.
 33. The composition asclaimed in claim 32, wherein the composition is formed without the useof a reaction.
 34. The composition as claimed in claim 32, wherein thecomposition is formed without chemically altering the surface of theinert carrier substrate.
 35. The composition as claimed in claim 32,wherein the composition is substantially dry such that it can readilyflow.
 36. The composition as claimed in claim 32, wherein thecomposition is not hygroscopic.
 37. A method for handling living cellsin a substantially dry format, the process comprising: Mixing fattyacids and an emulsifier to form a homogenized mixture; Mixing nutrientswith a carrier fluid to form a solution; Mixing processed living cellswith the solution to form a second solution; Mixing the second solutionwith the homogenized mixture to form a liquid media; Mixing the liquidmedia with an inert carrier substrate at a first location to form aloaded product until the loaded product is substantially dry to thetouch.
 38. The method as claimed in claim 37, wherein the liquid mediacomprises an organic phase and a water phase, wherein the water phasecomprises water and living cells.
 39. The method as claimed in claim 38,wherein the water phase further comprises nutrients, wherein thenutrients are water soluble.
 40. The method as claimed in claim 38,wherein the organic phase comprises nonionic plant-based surfactants.41. The composition as claimed in claim 38, wherein the organic phasecomprises fatty acid alcohols, fatty acids, lipids, and lethicin. 42.The composition as claimed in claim 38, wherein the organic phase iscomprised of lipids, fatty acids, and polysaccharides.
 43. The method asclaimed in claim 37, further comprising storing the loaded product at atemperature of approximately 38° F.
 44. The method as claimed in claim37, further comprising transporting the loaded product to a secondlocation, wherein the loaded product is transported without the use ofliquid nitrogen or dry ice without substantial degradation of the livingcells.
 45. The method as claimed in claim 37, further comprising addinga releasing solution to the loaded product to release the living cellsfrom the inert carrier substrate.
 46. The method as claimed in claim 45,further comprising isolating the living cells.
 47. The method as claimedin claim 46, wherein the step of isolating the living cells is conductedusing a centrifuge.